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All alone and feeling blue

There’s is a spot in Ringwood between two shopping areas where you can often see buskers. Its under cover which is good but I imagine a bit draughty at times which is bad. Whenever I’ve walked that way there has always been a lot of passing ‘trade’ but I’m sure there must be quiet times as well.

Anyway the other week as I came out of the large shopping centre and started to cross the road I heard it – the unmistakeable sound of a saxophone. Often you’d hear someone singing or playing instruments but this wasn’t the sort of sound you’d normally hear and I had to stop to see where it was coming from. Also most of the buskers sit further down the walk way closer to where I crossed so I was surprised when I saw the man sitting at the top. I really needed to go into a nearby shop and yet I didn’t want to move on lol

Of course I couldn’t get out of the shop fast enough as I wanted to listen for a while longer. Now I suppose I’m guilty of this as well but standing on the other side of the railings I noticed nobody seemed to listen to his music. There were a few who dropped a coin into his bag but nearly everyone else was so intent with getting on with their business they just walked by.

Yet the man in the hat didn’t seem to care at all. He just sat there on his own playing beautiful music and watching the world go by.

Buskers have to have a permit and there are conditions to be met so I’ve never been able to fathom out if they do it for the money they hope to make or for the love of performing. http://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Busking.aspx

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8 thoughts on “All alone and feeling blue”

Hi Cathy,
I love hearing music where you least expect it. We don’t have buskers anywhere in the two states that we alternately live in on the East Coast USA (a vacation home in a neighboring state). When I’ve visited Seattle and Denver though, there’s plenty of them there – some more talented than others. I try to imagine what kind of life they lead outside their music. Like you, I think some do it for the love of music and others because of need. Nice photos and interesting post!

Happy to learn the term “buskers”. Yes I was once a street performer. I was two or three years old and my mother led me kicking and screaming to the car. Guess that would count as a performance. LOL Glad to see you Cathy.

G’day cathy. Lovely post and great photos. I too have been guilty of dropping some money into a hat and passing by without listening. This has mainly happened when I have been in Melbourne with a friend and she is not one to pay any attention to buskers and doesn’t appreciate standing and listening to them.If on my own, or with hubby, it’s a different matter. I admire them for their courage to get out there and do this. If it’s only for the money or the love of what they do, then more power to them. It is something that I have never tried. Take care. Liz…

Kathy, I have just recieved all your updated posts. Never mind at least I could catch up with you. Sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your cousin. Inanswer to you last question …Yes I performed on stange when I was about 10. It was the Albert Hall in Canberra. I have photos as memories. Sue

Lovely post Cathy. I enjoyed your observations about the busker – the saxophone really catches your ear doesn’t it.
We always love to stop and listen to buskers when possible. I admire their courage for one thing, and it puts us in mind of when our granddaughter gave it a go – most people really appreciated her efforts.
Lol, I had a chuckle at Grannie Annie and Angelas’ comments :D)
Have a beaut Sunday. Cheers!

Lovely post Cathy and great photos. I love buskers! I’m sure they couldn’t possibly make enough money for a decent meal on a windy day, but I’ll stop every time to listen to them play. A few coins in the case or hat is worth it to me. Smiles – Astrid